Blake Snell was scratched from Friday’s game and will return to the 15-day injured list with loose bodies in his left elbow, pushing the Dodgers toward a bullpen game for the series opener vs the Angels.
Blake Snell was removed from the Dodgers’ Friday night showdown against the Los Angeles Angels, and the ripple effects were immediate: Los Angeles is expected to lean on a bullpen game for the series opener in their crosstown matchup.
The team announced that the left-hander will go back on the 15-day injured list with loose bodies in his left elbow. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters the club believes Snell can be back “this year.”
This is not the first time Snell has faced a similar setback. In 2019, he suffered the same type of elbow problem, underwent surgery, and was sidelined from late July until mid-September.
Snell’s season also got off to a slow start after an offseason of reliability issues.. He missed the beginning of the campaign while dealing with shoulder fatigue and didn’t make his season debut until last Saturday.. In his return against the Atlanta Braves. he struggled early. lasting only three innings and allowing five runs. four of them earned.
The broader concern is that his shoulder has been a recurring theme.. He missed most of the 2025 regular season with a lingering shoulder injury, making just 11 starts.. Still. Snell provided a playoff spark—going 3-2 in six postseason games to help the Dodgers win their second consecutive World Series title.
The Dodgers’ investment in their starter was significant. Snell signed a $182-million, five-year contract in November 2024, yet has made only 12 regular-season starts with the club.
To fill the rotation spot, left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes was recalled from triple-A. Barnes was claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs on May 9, and now gets another look as Snell heads back to the IL.
Blake Snell Dodgers IL elbow injury loose bodies Charlie Barnes bullpen game Los Angeles Angels Dave Roberts